Clos Frantin Vosne Romanee Malconsorts 1er Cru 2018 (750ML)

97 DE / 94 VM / 94 JS / 92-95 JM / 92 BH / 17 JR

Platinum Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2020

There is a massively deep purple colour to this Malconsorts, with bundles of energetic red fruit on the nose. The palate too demonstrates this, some orange zest, otherwise entirely red fruit, no black notes, good acidity and the persistence of a grand cru. Sleek floral aromas lead to a powerhouse of stewed cherries and plums and delicious toasty oak and spice; with a succulent texture, enriching tannins and a black cherry acidity; long and complex. -- Decanter

The 2018 Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts 1er Cru is showing some reduction on the nose, slightly smudged red fruit, leather and undergrowth. It does seem to gain clarity with modest aeration though. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, taut and crisp, quite linear with fine sapidity on the structure, backward finish. A Premier Cru with a long future ahead. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.--Neal Martin, Vinous Media

A rich, layered red with intense, very ripe fruit that shows dried cherries, smoked oak and some meat. It’s full-bodied and very layered. Solid tannins give depth to the wine. Try after 2023.--James Suckling

There is a massively deep purple colour to this Malconsorts, with bundles of energetic red fruit on the nose. The palate too demonstrates this, some orange zest, otherwise entirely red fruit, no black notes, good acidity and the persistence of a grand cru. Tasted: November 2019.--Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

Tasting note: This is aromatically similar to the straight Vosne in that it's not super-fresh though it is more complex. Otherwise there is good volume and muscle as well as an attractive underlying tension to the intensely mineral-driven medium weight plus flavors that deliver excellent punch and drive to the lingering if grippy finale. This is presently very firmly structured and while by no means hard, it will need all of 12 to 15-ish years or so for the tannins to fully resolve. I would point out that it's impossible to predict whether the nose will freshen in time as the fruit ages, but my score offers the benefit of the doubt.—Allen Meadows, Burghound

Cask sample. Mid crimson. Unexpectedly light nose. Hint of oak on some quite precise raspberry fruit. Chalky texture. This should come right eventually but will probably always be on the light side.—Jancis Robinson